The Wests Tigers have appointed a new general manager of football, announcing Shaun Mielekamp as the man in charge of navigating their rebuild.
Mielekamp was already in the club's ranks, spending 18-months as the general manager of community, foundation and affiliates.
His experience as an administrator dates back to his time with the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League competition.
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In that role, Mielekamp built a reputation for developing pathways systems that were able to sustain the success of the top-grade side.
Tigers' CEO Shane Richardson has repeatedly spoken out about the club's desire to invest in their junior nursery, particularly in Southwest Sydney.
Richardson praised Mielekamp's intangibles as an administrator, viewing him as the ideal fit for the club's reimagined culture.
"Shaun’s a fantastic administrator who has already made a tremendous impact in his 18-months here at the club," Richardson said.
"His role at the Mariners oversaw all elements of their football department.
"He was able to bring that club a tremendous amount of success, which is quite exceptional given the constraints he was required to work within.
"Shaun has a deep understanding of how to develop and foster a winning culture."
Mielekamp hasn't just sharpened his sports administration acumen in the world of professional football, but has experience working with rival NRL teams.
He spent time in the commercial and marketing departments of Penrith and South Sydney, two powerhouse Sydney franchises.
After the signs of life the Tigers showed this season in the second year of Benji Marshall's campaign, Mielekamp spoke to how excited he is to move into this opportunity.
"There’s been a huge amount of work over the past 18-months right across the club to set it up for success and now it’s time for us to take that next step," he said.
"My job is to build on the foundations that have already been laid, as well as look at the steps we need to take as a club to ensure long term success that meets our strategic vision."